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French Charles X Musical Ormolu Mantel Clock of Gaius Marius Signed Robert Houdi

About the Item

An extremely rare antique French Charles X period ormolu musical mantel clock of Gaius Marius amidst the ruins of Carthage by the noted maker Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin. The superb and entirely original ormolu, showing Gaius Marius sitting in the ruins of Carthage following his exile, holding a scroll above a relief mounted panel with helmet, lance and sword on a rectangular base with lion paw feet. The 8 day duration, silk suspencion movement with outside count wheel, strikes the hours and half’s on a bell. Twice a day, at 12 o clock, after the bells have rung, it trips the superb and early musical movement in the case of the clock, which plays one of two airs, which can be alternated with a small lever at the back of the clock. Set on a marquetry inlaid rosewood base supporting a glass dome. The silvered dial is signed Robert Houdin, whilst the movement is stamped Medaille D'or 1827, Pons, which dates the clock between 1827 and 1834. A superb and extremely rare clock by this most eminent of makers. Robert Houdin was a famous clockmaker and magician, his mystery clocks a delight of the age, and he is also considered the father of modern magic. Harry Houdini named himself after him, such was the regard he held him in.
  • Creator:
    Robert Houdin (Clockmaker)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 23 in (58.42 cm)Width: 17 in (43.18 cm)Depth: 8 in (20.32 cm)
  • Style:
    Charles X (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Ormolu,Rosewood
  • Place of Origin:
    France
  • Period:
    1820-1829
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1829
  • Condition:
  • Seller Location:
    London, GB
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: #5529 Douglas stock1stDibs: LU2015316192912

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